As I mentioned in my last post, my friend Maht is doing a marathon DJ set this weekend at the Velvet.  He is giving all of the tips to charity – Heifer International’s Easter Uganda Umbrella Project.  To help with this charity event, several designers have given little gifts to be handed out during the event to those who are kind enough to make a donation.  Maht will have a gift box with items from Musashi-Do, Shiki Designs, MCD Designs, and more.  In addition to that box o’ gifts, I will have a few things to hand out as well.  One of those items is a new release from Reasonable Desires:  Lianna.

Few things make me as happy as finding out there’s new lingerie at Reasonable Desires, and I was right to be excited because Lianna is stunning!  Martini Joliat has an exquisite eye for details.  Just look at that lovely corset lacing up the front and the pretty lace pattern on this set.  Lianna comes with panties, garters, and stockings.  The garters and panties come on two layer options to make mixing and matching easier if you should desire to wear this with something else.  Though, it’s stunning enough I’m not sure you’d want to cover it up at all.  The panties are lacy in front and sheer in the back for an added touch of sexiness.

I was in a festive mood  so I paired Lianna with a new holiday hair from Magika, Blinky 2009 in Brown A.  This pretty updo is adorned with tiny blinking holiday lights in red, green, and gold.  It’s very cute and an incredibly fun way to celebrate the coming holiday season.  No one will question if you are in the Christmas spirit if you’re wearing this hair.

The jewelry is also holiday-themed:  Silver Bells by Violet Voltaire.  I’m not sure this is still available, but any holiday jewelry would work well with the Blinky hair.  Now that I think about it, Lianna would make a lovely Christmas present for both you and your significant other.

Lianna will be available at Reasonable Desires next week, but you can get it early if you come by Velvet and make a donation to Heifer International during Maht’s set.  There is one little catch, though.  I’m the only one authorized to hand out Lianna during the event.  So if you want this, be sure to stop by while I’m there trying desperately to keep the DJ awake through those late night hours.  I’ll be at Velvet from 7 p.m. until 3 a.m. slt on Friday/Saturday and again Saturday afternoon from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. slt.  Stop by and say hi, donate to a good cause, and grab some great gifts from talented designers as a thank you.

I’d also like to take a moment to personally thank Martini Joliat and Austie Pegler of Reasonable Desires for allowing me to give away this gorgeous set of lingerie to those who donate.  They are two of the most generous people I’ve ever met in SL and I can’t thank them enough for helping us with this.  

Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio
Event Poster by Maht Wuyts

Model Info:
Skin: ::Exodi:: – Shiloh (Honey), Nosferatu Lt Brows
Eyes: ::Exodi:: – Twilight Eyes, Edward **GIFT**
Eyelashes: Beauty Avatar – Regina Eyelashes 10
Hair: Magika – Blinky 2009, Brown A **REVIEW COPY**
Manicure: Sin Skins – Glitter Manicure, Crimson
Lingerie: Reasonable Desires – Lianna **REVIEW COPY**
Shoes: Shiny THings – Retrosweet Shoes, Black
Jewelry: Violet Voltaire – Silver Bells Set

Poses:
Photo #1:  Ana_Mations – BabyDoll4_Chest
Photo #2:  Long Awkward Pose – Seduction
Photo #3:  Ana_Mations – BabyDoll4_Hip
Photo #4:  Long Awkward Pose – Seduction

This Friday, December 4th, my friend and DJ extraordinaire Maht Wutys will be spinning a 26-hour set for charity.  Yes, you read that right.  26 consecutive hours of music, and all of the tips he receives will be donated to Heifer International.  I’ve put the promo poster for the gig at the end of this post for those that might be interested in stopping by to hang out for a bit and support a good cause.  For those who donate, Maht will have a special box full of goodies donated by some of the fabulous designers we all know and love.  I will also have some special items to hand out to those who donate while I’m there trying to keep the DJ from falling asleep.  I’ll blog more about those things later this week.  But since I have the overnight shift (7 p.m. to 3 a.m. slt), I decided to put together something comfy to wear that night. 

I wanted something casual but with the urban flair I am quite fond of.  After all, I will be at a club listening to mostly indie/alternative/rock music…urban cool is called for, I think.  I started with a recent purchase from the Winterstock event, the Kettle Corn Cardigan by Surf Couture.  This shirt is super cute and looks incredibly comfortable.  I love the buttons and the wrinkles on the sleeves.  It comes in a variety of colors, but I chose the gray option with the light purple undershirt. This particular shirt/undershirt combo does not come on separate layers, so you can’t really mix and match the colors, but there are several color combinations to choose from.

Keeping comfort and style in mind, I decided to pair the cardigan with one of my favorite pairs of jeans, the Garage Jeans by League.  These jeans are so sexy and I love the prim pocket attachment and the color change hankie is pure genius.  The boots are another favorite item, the Ving Boots by Shiny Things.  They’re not only fantastically comfy and stylish, they’re good stompy boots.  One needs stompy boots while dancing, I say.

Almost all of the jewelry/piercings I am wearing come from [skream!].  If you’ve not been there I urge you to go and check it out.  I absolutely LOVE this store.  It’s one of my new favorite places to shop.  The piercings, especially, are quite well made.  I believe I have almost everything in that store by now and I can’t wait to see what Jacqueline Cliassi releases next.  The hair is from Magika, Lust in Brown A. 

This is really a very simple, casual, and comfortable look with a bit of urban flair.  By taking a new piece and pairing it with lots of old favorites, I’ve created something new and fun to wear to the 26 hour DJ set.  If you’re around Friday/Saturday stop by the Velvet and see if the DJ is still awake.  If he is you can listen to some good music, dance and chat, donate to a good cause, and grab yourself some fantastic freebies in the process.  It’s a win-win.

Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio
Promotional Poster by Maht Wuyts

Model Info:
Skin: ::Exodi:: – Shiloh (Honey), Nosferatu (LtBRows)
Eyes: ::Exodi:: – Twilight Eyes, Edward **GIFT**
Eyelashes: Beauty Avatar – Regina Eyelashes 10
Hair: Magika – Lust, Brown A
Manicure: Sin Skins – Glitter Manicure, Black
Shirt: Surf Coture – Kettle Corn Cardigan Top, Gray
Jeans: League – Garage Jeans, Cool Blue
Boots: Shiny Things – Ving Boots, Black
Jewelry: Inks & Kinks – Nostril Diamond Stud
WRONG – Sanity Jelly Bracelets
[skream!] – padlocked ring
[skream!] – prickle bracelets
[skream!] – tummy studs
[skream!] – the beauty mark piercing
[skream!] – Female Scattered Beads Necklace

Poses:
Photo #1:  Diesel Works – Shake #7
Photo #2:  Diesel Works – Shake #7
Photo #3:  Striking Poses – Full Tilt_6
Photo #4:  Diesel Works – Shake #7

Winter is fast approaching and that means the cold and snow will be here before I’m ready.  That is always the case in RL since winter is my least favorite season.  I don’t really care for snow.  However, Shiryu Musashi of Musashi-Do has created a coat so fabulous you won’t mind traipsing through the cold white stuff as you do your holiday shopping.

This is not your average winter coat.  With a classic houndstooth pattern done by hand and lovely color options, December Warmth is classic and elegant, sophisticated and stylish.  I can’t imagine the hours of work that went into this creation, especially the texture.  Houndstooth is not something I would have the patience to tackle, but Shiryu has done a stunning job.  There is an attention to detail here that you don’t always find on our lovely grid and I adore the buttons on the end of the sleeves.  One of the things that make this coat different from all the others is the bottom.  Panels of fabric overlay each other and create gorgeous movement as you twirl around in the snow or pose for the camera.

There are two options for the bottom of the coat; a flat skirt that I’m wearing here and a fuller option for wearing with those bigger skirts we all have in our wardrobe.  The lapel attaches to the spine so you can still wear the coat with a scarf or jewelry should you so desire.  It also comes with a sweater and turtleneck collar option that I am wearing here.  I paired the coat with the SLink Buckle Pants in Black and the stunning Prestige boots from Bax Coen.  I wanted to be comfortable while traipsing through the snow, but this coat really demands stylish footwear and I can think of nothing more stylish than these particular boots.

I decided a hat was in order and immediately put on the Chloe hair from Maitreya.  I don’t wear a lot of long hair, and this is one of my all -time favorites.  It’s very flattering to the face and the texture on the knit cap is fantastic.  Oh, and it’s scripted for color change, which is probably one of my favorite options in all of SL.  My inventory loves it when that happens.  I chose the light blue option for the hat, which might not be the conventional choice, but it was just so pretty I had to do it.

These photos were taken on Stereo Vogue, which is home to the Winter Wonderland the lovely Callie Cline has built.  All of the decorations are for sale and I’m so glad they are.  My favorite is probably the icy river, which you can see in the first photo of this post.  I love it so much that I’m going to put it in the middle of my studio. 

I also love these gorgeous winter trees and flowers.  They’re stunningly detailed and the silvery texture makes me happy.  There are a wide variety of decorations available, including wreaths, trees, and candy cane paths.  If you’ve not taken the time to go and check it out, be sure you do.  Callie has created some gorgeous and fun decor for the holidays.

Remember to dress warm this winter and pick up December Warmth at Musashi-Do.  It comes in five lovely colors and at 499L it’s definitely a bargain. 

Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio

Model Info:Skin: ::Exodi:: – Shiloh (Honey), Nosferatu
Eyes: Shine – Purple Sage Eyes
Eyelashes: Beauty Avatar – Regina Eyelashes 10
Hair: Maitreya – Chloe, Gold Blonde (hat tinted soft blue)
Gloves: Fear & Clothing – Fur Trim Gloves, Black
Coat: Musashi-Do – December Warmth, Blue (worn with sweater and turtleneck options) **REVIEW COPY**
Pants: SLink – Buckle Pants, Black
Boots: BAX – Prestige Boots, Black
Nose Piercing: Inks & Kinks – Nostril Diamond Stud

Poses:
Photo #1:  Diesel Works – Venus #5
Photo #2:  Diesel Works – Shake #9
Photo #3:  Diesel Works – Shake #1
Photo #4:  Diesel Works – Shake #4
Photo #5:  Diesel Works – Shake #1

Whether you’re walking the red carpet or attending a grand ball, wearing the most fabulous dress is a necessity.  And for this month’s MDR Anniversary Party, we’re rolling out the red carpet with the help of one of my favorite dress designers:  Sascha Frangilli of Sascha’s Designs.

I’ve blogged about Sascha’s wonderful designs before (here and here, to be exact) and I’m thrilled that she agreed to be our Affiliate of the Month for Novemeber.  Sascha has graciously provided us with one of her fabulous designs to give away to all of our guests for FREE.  I thought I’d show you that lovely dress, and two more of my favorites by this very talented and versatile dress designer.  First up is my newest purchase, Trouble.

I fell in love with this dress the instant I saw it.  It is absolutely amazing and I’d say her best work to date.  The texture is gorgeous and shimmery and I love the attention to detail with the buttons down the back.  The cut and shape of this gown is amazingly flattering.  There is something very elegant yet incredibly sexy about this gown.  Perhaps that’s why she named it Trouble?  I can certainly see this dress causing some.  Like the majority of her formal gowns, Trouble comes with several skirt options.  You can wear it as a sleek red carpet ready dress or go for the full battleship skirt.  I’ve always loved her skirt options.  Not only does it give the dress more versatility, but they just move so beautifully.

Since our anniversary is a red carpet event, I went with the sleeker skirt.  For hair, I chose an updo from ETD; Aiiyanna in Elika’s Brown.  The jewelry is from Alienbear Designs, Le Fleur in red.  I adore this set.  It is definitely one of my favorites from Alienbear.  It has a touch of classical romanticism to it that added an interesting element to this look.

Another favorite thing about the dresses at Sascha’s Design is how easily they can be incorporated to an individual’s unique look. For Malicious, I decided to go with a somewhat darker look.  I also chose to wear the battleship skirt with this one.  And yes, it is aptly named.  The skirt is massive, but again it moves beautifully. 

Sascha sent this dress to me quite some time ago, and as behind on my blogging as I am, I’ve not gotten to this until now.  This dress is another example of a lovely design with fantastic texture work.  I love the silver through out the blackness of the dress.  It reminds me of night, and since that’s my favorite time of day, it’s no wonder I love this dress.  Malicious has a more classic feel than Trouble, but I think it would work well with several different looks.  For me, I chose to pair it with the Earth hair by Magika (an in store freebie) and the Eostre set in black by Alienbear.  The ornateness of this jewelry set worked well with the look I was going for.  The skin and eyes in all of these sets is from ::Exodi::, but if you’ve ever read this blog you already knew that.

The final look I want to show you is the dress Sascha Frangelli has been generous enough to give to us as our party gift for all the guests that attend the anniversary bash; Gotcha in blue.

I really love the bodice of this dress; it is definitely attention grabbing.  The silver pattern in this dress is just as lovely as in Malicious  but it an entirely different way.  Where Malicious brings to mind night and even spider webs, the pattern in Gotcha has a much softer, classic meets modern feel.   With that in mind, I paired it with the newest release from Alienbear Designs; the Avenue Anniversary set.  The long line of this necklace went nicely with that very enticing bodice.  I’m wearing the Sofia hair by ETD; an updo but with a long line of hair hanging down the back. 

Speaking of the back, I love the triple straps on this.

MDR’s Anniversary Party is tomorrow and I hope you can all come and help us celebrate. While you’re there, be sure to pick up Gotcha for free.  We’ll also be having a raffle during the party and one lucky winner will receive a 1000L gift card to Sascha’s Designs and a free photo by an MDR Photographer.  Even if you don’t win, be sure to check out Sascha’s Designs for some lovely gowns.

A quick personal note if I may:  Novemeber has been a big month for me, SL wise.  I’ve celebrated my second rez day, the second anniversary of my photo studio and being a photographer in SL and this blog hit the 10,000 views mark.  I just want to say thank you to all who read this on a regular basis and those that just stop by on occassion.  And thank you to all of my friends and clients for a fantastic two years. 

Party details below:

Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio
**except party invitation – Photography by Rhodesy Durant, MDR Photo Studio**

Model Info:
Look #1:
Skin: ::Exodi:: – Shiloh (honey), Nosferatu Lt Brows
Eyes: ::Exodi:: – Zbilja Eyes, Blue
Eyelashes: Beauty Avatar – Regina Eyelashes 10
Hair: ETD – Aiiyanna, Elika’s Brown
Manicure: Sin Skins – Glitter Manicure, Crimson
Dress: Sascha’s Design – Trouble, Red
Shoes: Pixel Mode – Cocktail Shoes, Bloody Mary
Jewelry: Alienbear Design – Le Fleur Set, Red

Look #2:
Skin: ::Exodi:: – Shiloh (honey), Silent Lt Brows
Eyes: ::Exodi:: – Zbilja Eyes, Blue
Eyelashes: Beauty Avatar – Regina Eyelashes 10
Hair: Magika – Earth, Wild Purple
Dress: Sascha’s Designs – Malicious, Black **REVIEW COPY**
Shoes: Katat0nik – Bowie Mary Janes, Black
Jewelry: Inks & Kinks – Nostril Diamond Stud
Alienbear Design – Eostre Set, Black

Look #3:
Skin: ::Exodi:: – Shiloh (honey), Nosferatu Lt Brows
Eyes: ::Exodi:: – Zbilja Eyes, Blue
Eyelashes: Beauty Avatar – Regina Eyelashes 10
Hair: ETD – Sofia, Elika’s Brown
Dress: Sascha’s Designs – Gotcha (blue) **REVIEW COPY**
Shoes: Maitreya Gold – Esprit, Pearl
Jewelry: Alienbear Design – Avenue Anniversary Set, Blue (necklace & Earrrings)
Alienbear Design – Avenue Bracelets, Blue (only wearing one)
Earthstones: Nature’s Beauty Ring, Labradorite

Runway Set: La Petite Morte – Photo Set Runway
Lights: Le Boudoir – Light Photo Pro

Poses:
Photo #1:  Diesel Works – Aurora #2
Photo #2:  Diesel Works – Aurora #2
Photo #3:  Striking Poses – Working The Camera_3
Photo #4:  Striking Poses – Working The Camera_3
Photo #5:  Reel Expression – *Luth* – Melancholy 13
Photo #6:  Reel Expression – *Luth* – Melancholy 13
Photo #7:  Long Awkward Pose – C-Baby Got Back Too

Though there are all sorts of fun items for sale there, I’ve long considered Balderdash to be one of the best jewelry stores on the grid.  Saiyge Lotus makes unique and beautiful pieces of wearable art and it’s obvious she puts a little bit of herself into each creation.  Her latest set is called Strange As Angels and it is really quite lovely.  Saiyge was kind enough to gift me with this necklace and earring set in all of its colors, and I knew that I had to put some outfits together to showcase the versatility of this wonderful design.  For the first look, I decided to channel my business partner and go purple but with my own urban flare, of course.

This look started with the purple version of Strange As Angels. 

The Robin Artist Jeans in nightsky by Leezu were next.  I adore these!  Thankfully, shredded jeans are back in style and this set by Leezu has the perfect amount of “shreds”.  The term “Artist Jeans” certainly fits this pair, with the graffiti and star and heart patterns on the legs.  I thought the heart on the jeans tied in nicely with the necklace from Balderdash.  You can wear these jeans plain if you prefer, but really where is the fun in that?

For the top, I put on the Spray Paint Kitty t-shirt from Urban Dare.  It comes with several options for layering, including a thermal you can wear underneath and you can get it individually, or as a completely outfit with shorts and socks.   Speaking of Urban Dare, they have some wonderful high rise penthouse apartments for rent.  If you’re looking for a relatively inexpensive city type pad, you should check them out.  We can be neighbors!  These photos were shot at the Bansai Noodle Shop on Urban Dare.  Even if you don’t need an apartment, this is a fantastic SIM with lots of fun photo ops for you to check out.

I wanted a jacket with this look, and after some searching, I remembered the Denim Washed Demi Jacket from Moonshine.  Shelly Toonie sent this over in a “Bloggy Bag” a few weeks ago, and I’d not gotten around to unpacking it yet.  I’m glad I waited because it was perfect for this look.  I really love the front tie on this and the design on the back.  It does come in a plain version as well.  The back of Strange As Angels is just as lovely in the front with these two delicate hearts hanging down the back.  That is  such a lovely artistic touch and it gives this piece a touch of whimsy as well.

The boots are from Shiny Things; Ving Boots in Black.  These are my go to boots for any urban look and probably in my top ten favorite items on SL list.  You really can’t go wrong with them.  For hair, I knew immediately that I wanted Sneaky by Magika.  I’m wearing it in an older purple that I don’t believe is available any longer.  However, they do have a new purple that is just lovely…unfortunately, I did not have it at the time I shot these photos.  The headband is scripted for color change, which I love.  Another thing I love about this hair is the way it sort of floats around your face as you move.  Gorgeously done.  The eyes and skin are from ::Exodi:: and the piercings are from [skream!].

In order to show the versatility of Strange As Angels by Balderdash, I decided to go ultra feminine girly with the second look.  I paired the Strange As Angels set in Ocean with the Alison Tunic Dress by Malt.

I’m wearing Blue Sky here but it comes in several different colors for you to choose from.  I actually first saw this dress on a client and couldn’t believe how lovely it was.  I think this may be the first time I’ve ever worn a flower pattern like this, but the dress is just so well made I couldn’t not have it.  It’s very flirty and feminine and a bit retro.  I paired it with the Ju hair by Magika.  This gorgeous updo is fun and flirty.  I love the back; it looks like you have little rosettes on the back of your head.  I’m not sure you can get more feminine than this.

The skin is Sienna (Cachet) in Tinsel from ::Exodi::  This is the newest line from ::Exodi:: and it’s simply stunning.  It doesn’t quite work for my av as well as Shiloh, but I love the skin so much I’m willing to make a shape just for it.  I’ve not quite gotten it looking like me yet, but I will. 

Oh, and the shoes are from Maitryea Gold; Esprit in Black.  Love, Love, LOVE! 

So here you have two very different looks with the same set of jewelry.  Strange As Angels is a fantastic edition to the Balderdash collection.  If you’ve not been there, I urge you to stop reading and GO!  Okay, well maybe finish reading first, but seriously do check it out.  Her designs are incredibly well done, unique, and versatile.  What more could you ask for?

Photography by Arcadia Nightfire, MDR Photo Studio

Model Info:
Outfit #1:
Skin: ::Exodi:: – Shiloh (Honey) – Silent, Lt Brows
Eyes: ::Exodi:: – Look Into My…Rainbows, Purple **LUCKY CHAIR ITEM**
Eyelashes: Beauty Avatar – Regina Eyelashes 10
Hair: Magika – Sneaky, Dark Purple
Manicure: Sin Skins – Glitter Manicure, Black
Shirt: Urban Dare – Spray Paint Kitty Outfit, White (Shirt only)
Jacket: Moonshine Designs – Demi Jacket, Denim Washed **REVIEW ITEM**
Pants: Leezu Baxter – Robin Artist Jeans, Nightsky (Artist)
Boots: Shiny Things – Ving Boots, Black
Jewelry: Balderdash – Strange As Angels Set (necklace & earrings), Purple **REVIEW ITEM**
[skream!] – tummy studs
[skream!] – the beauty mark piercing

Outfit #2:
Skin: ::Exodi:: – Sienna (Cachet) – Tinsel (Dk/C) (Eyebrows from the Shiloh Skin)
Eyes: ::Exodi:: – Look Into My…Rainbows (Blue) (Lg/V) **LUCKY CHAIR ITEM**
Eyelashes: Beauty Avatar – Regina Eyelashes 10
Hair: Magika – Ju, Brown D
Manicure: Sin Skins – Glitter Manicure, Slate
Dress: Malt Fashions – Alison Tunic, Blue Skies **GIFT CARD PURCHASE**
Shoes: Maitreya Gold – Esprit, Black
Jewelry: Balderdash – Strange as Angels Set (necklace and earrings), Ocean **REVIEW ITEM**
Caroline’s Jewelry – Individual, a Right Hand Ring

Poses:
Photo #1:  LostAngel – Spring Fever #9
Photo #2:  LostAngel – Spring Fever #9
Photo #3:  LostAngel – Summer Crash #8
Photo #4:  LostAngel – Summer Crash #2
Photo #5:  Long Awkward Pose – GG1-Joan-PR4
Photo #6:  Long Awkward Pose – GG1-Joan-PR4
Photo #7:  Long Awkward Pose – GG1-Joan-PR4